Reduction formula regarding binomial (1+x^2)^n

In summary: JoeIn summary, the conversation discusses a reduction formula that needs to be proven for n>0, involving an integral with a complicated integrand. The attempt at a solution involves using integration by parts, but the integrand only gets more complex. The conversation ends with one user providing a helpful suggestion to simplify the integrand.
  • #1
ssgriffin
2
0

Homework Statement


prove the following reduction formula, n>0
∫((1+x^2)^n) dx=(x(1+x^2)^n)(1/(2n+1)) +2n/(2n+1)∫(1+x^2)^(n-1) dx

Homework Equations


none

The Attempt at a Solution


one of many attempts, i get close, but no cigar. Huge blow to the calculus ego. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I just need a point in the right direction.

∫((1+x^2)^n) dx=uv-∫vdu
u=(1+x^2)^n dv=dx

du= n(1+x^2)^(n-1)(2x)dx v=x

∫((1+x^2)^n) dx=x(1+x^2)^n -2n∫(x^2)((1+x^2)^(n-1))dx

if i use another iteration of integration by parts (IBP) it just gets worse. i tried to substitute for x^2 but it didnt really help either.
 
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  • #2
ssgriffin said:

Homework Statement


prove the following reduction formula, n>0
∫((1+x^2)^n) dx=(x(1+x^2)^n)(1/(2n+1)) +2n/(2n+1)∫(1+x^2)^(n-1) dx

Homework Equations


none

The Attempt at a Solution


one of many attempts, i get close, but no cigar. Huge blow to the calculus ego. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I just need a point in the right direction.

∫((1+x^2)^n) dx=uv-∫vdu
u=(1+x^2)^n dv=dx

du= n(1+x^2)^(n-1)(2x)dx v=x

∫((1+x^2)^n) dx=x(1+x^2)^n -2n∫(x^2)((1+x^2)^(n-1))dx

if i use another iteration of integration by parts (IBP) it just gets worse. i tried to substitute for x^2 but it didnt really help either.
Hello ssgriffin. Welcome to PF !The integrand in that last integral may be written as

[itex](x^2)(1+x^2)^{n-1}=(x^2+1-1)(1+x^2)^{n-1}\\ \ \\
\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad\quad = (1+x^2)^{n}-(1+x^2)^{n-1}[/itex]
 
  • #3
Much thanks for that!

Cheers
 

FAQ: Reduction formula regarding binomial (1+x^2)^n

What is a reduction formula for (1+x2)n?

A reduction formula is a mathematical formula that allows us to simplify a complex expression into a simpler form. For the binomial (1+x2)n, the reduction formula is (1+x2)n = (1+x2)n-1(1+x2) where n is a positive integer.

How is the reduction formula derived?

The reduction formula for (1+x2)n can be derived using the binomial expansion theorem, which states that (a+b)n = ∑k=0n nCk an-kbk where nCk is the binomial coefficient. By substituting a=1 and b=x2, we get (1+x2)n = ∑k=0n nCk x2k. Then, by using the recurrence relation nCk = nCk-1 * (n-k+1)/k, we can write (1+x2)n as a product of (1+x2)n-1 and a series involving nCk-1 and nCk.

Why is the reduction formula useful?

The reduction formula is useful because it allows us to simplify a complex expression into a simpler form, which makes it easier to evaluate and manipulate. It also helps in solving problems involving binomial coefficients, such as finding the values of nCk or expanding a binomial raised to a large power.

What are some applications of the reduction formula?

The reduction formula has various applications in mathematics and physics. It is used in probability and statistics to calculate binomial probabilities and in combinatorics to solve counting problems. In physics, it is used in quantum mechanics to solve problems related to the probability of finding particles in different energy states.

Are there any limitations to the reduction formula?

Yes, the reduction formula is only valid for positive integer values of n. It cannot be used for fractional or negative values of n. Additionally, it is only applicable to binomials of the form (1+x2)n and cannot be generalized for other binomials. It is also important to note that the reduction formula is a simplification and does not give the exact values of the binomial coefficients.

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